Yesterday I had the opportunity to use it once again, and I realized that this handy ‘tool’ is another one of those ‘good-to-have’ survival preparedness prep items in one’s arsenal.

Tires leak air. Period. Over time, all tires will require more air. Keeping tires properly inflated is more important than many people realize, particularly when it has to do with trailer tires.

If you own, rent, or borrow a cargo trailer or travel trailer, you better pay attention to the tire pressure – particularly if you are loading it above 50 percent capacity. All tires are rated as to how much weight they can safely carry, and these ratings are based on their maximum tire pressure. Anything less will drastically reduce their carrying capacity and will become dangerous if they are overloaded.

So, back to the 12-volt air compressor…

First, the fact that the compressor runs on 12-volts means that its power will come from your vehicle’s battery. Ordinary battery ‘alligator’ clamps at the end of the power cable makes it easy to clip on to your battery terminals. The pump draws 30 amps at full power, and is powerful.

Second, the fact that this compressor is ‘high-volume’ means that it is strong enough to pump higher pressures than are required for a typical car tire. A ST (Special Trailer) tire of load-range D (2,540 pounds carrying capacity) will require 65 psi of air pressure. Load-range E trailer tires (2,910 pounds carrying capacity) will require 80 psi of air. Your run-of-the-mill cheap air compressor will not come close to reaching these capacities on such a tire.

Third, this compressor is compact, stores easily, and has a long 16-foot detachable air hose to reach the tires.

Here’s a scenario you may not have thought about… If you ever get a flat tire, will you be in trouble when you realize that your spare tire is very low on air? If you have a portable 12-volt air compressor – you will be all set.

I’ve used this compressor for years while topping off my vehicle’s tires, my boat trailer tires, and my cargo trailer tires. In my opinion, it is a ‘must have’, to be kept in your tow vehicle or passenger car at all times.

Dear Ken,
Thank you for your efforts in bringing preparedness to the public.Your site is timely ,informative as well as interesting to the reader.You also have great posters and being fairly new to preparing in the last year this site has been extremely valuable to me.

I am a mother of five and have gotten my Ladies Bible group(around 6 of us)To begin prepping.The question the group often asks is….what would your home need, basics that is, to get through tough times for a year.I am still not sure I am as well prepared as I should be.

I could use a list to pass out to the ladies that helped us have the basics to build from for example ..in the garage ,medicine cabinet,etc.
It would also be great to see a list on things to have on hand in case the power goes out as alot of us are unfamiliar with camping gear and just don’t know what to buy.I realize you have already addressed these things.We just need some direction in getting it all together quickly.Blessings,R

@radiogirl, Thanks for your kind words. Responses like yours help keep me motivated. I’m very glad that you (and your friends) are taking up the goal of being better prepared, and I will be happy to form a short article with my own opinion of some basics for your scenarios that you describe. Prepping – It’s a way-of-life!